Medical Health Encyclopedia

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Paronychia

Alternative Names: Infection - skin around the nail Treatment: Treatment goals are to eliminate the infection and relieve the symptoms. Text Continues Below In bacterial paronychia, hot water soaks 2 or 3 times per day reduce inflammation and pain. Topical or oral antibiotics may be prescribed. In severe cases, your physician may cut and drain the lesion with a sharp instrument. Fungal paronychia may be treated with topical or oral antifungals. The hands should be kept dry, or, topical drying agents such as Castellani's paint should be applied. Expectations (prognosis): Paronychia usually is superficial and responds well to treatment, although fungal infections may persist for several months. Complications are rare, but they occasionally occur. Complications: Abscess formation Local spread of infection, including infection of the tendons and bone Spread of infection to the bloodstream and throughout the body Calling your health care provider: Call your health care provider if paronychia symptoms persist despite treatment. Call your health care provider if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop: Localized spread of symptoms Development of red streaks along the skin Fever Chills General ill feeling Joint pain Muscle pain

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.